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Regulatory bodies

Office of Rail Regulation (ORR)

The ORR has a very significant role to play in the rail industry including:

Overseeing safety

Ensuring free and fair competition

Approval of certain licenses and contracts

Determining funding and efficiency targets for Network Rail

These responsibilities reflect the ORR’s formal statutory duties but the ORR is also keen to work closely with the industry to help it succeed and can be consulted for friendly and informal advice on freight matters.

Government departments in England, Scotland and Wales

The Department for Transport (in England), Transport Scotland and the Welsh Assembly Government set public policy for the rail industry which includes funding of Network Rail, investment in rail enhancements and management of freight grants.